• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.88-94
• /
• 2020

Background: The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has recently published report series on the occupational intakes of radionuclides (OIR) for internal dosimetry of radiation workers. In this study, the optimized monitoring program including the monitoring interval and the minimum detectable activity (MDA) of major radionuclides was suggested to perform the routine individual monitoring of internal exposure based on the ICRP OIR. Materials and Methods: The derived recording levels and the critical monitoring quantities were reviewed from international standards or guidelines by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS). The OIR data viewer provided by ICRP was used to evaluate the monitoring intervals and the MDA, which are derived from the reference bioassay functions and the dose coefficients. Results and Discussion: The optimal monitoring intervals were determined taking account of two requirement conditions on the potential intake underestimation and the MDA values. The MDA requirement values of the selected radionuclides were calculated based on the committed effective dose from 0.1 mSv to 5 mSv. The optimized routine individual monitoring program was suggested including the optimal monitoring intervals and the MDA requirements. The optimal MDA values were evaluated based on the committed effective dose of 0.1 mSv. However, the MDA can be adjusted considering the practical operation of the routine individual monitoring program in the nuclear facilities. Conclusion: The monitoring intervals and the MDA as crucial factors for the routine monitoring were described to suggest the optimized routine individual monitoring program of the occupational intakes. Further study on the alpha/beta-emitting radionuclides as well as short lived gamma-emitting nuclides will be necessary in the future.

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.91-94
• /
• 2008

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant form of human genetic variation and are a resource for mapping complex genetic traits. A genome is covered by millions of these markers, and researchers are able to compare which SNPs predominate in people who have a certain disease. The International HapMap Project, launched in October, 2002, motivated us to start the Korean HapMap Project in order to support Korean HapMap infrastructure development and to accelerate the finding of genes that affect health, disease, and individual responses to medications and environmental factors. A Korean SNP and haplotype database system was developed through the Korean HapMap Project to provide Korean researchers with useful data-mining information about disease-associated biomarkers for studies on complex diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and stroke. Also, we have developed a series of software programs for association studies as well as the comparison and analysis of Korean HapMap data with other populations, such as European, Chinese, Japanese, and African populations. The developed software includes HapMapSNPAnalyzer, SNPflank, HWE Test, FESD, D2GSNP, SNP@Domain, KMSD, KFOD, KFRG, and SNP@WEB. We developed a disease-related SNP retrieval system, in which OMIM, GeneCards, and MeSH information were integrated and analyzed for medical research scientists. The kHapMap Browser system that we developed and integrated provides haplotype retrieval and comparative study tools of human ethnicities for comprehensive disease association studies (http://www.khapmap.org). It is expected that researchers may be able to retrieve useful information from the kHapMap Browser to find useful biomarkers and genes in complex disease association studies and use these biomarkers and genes to study and develop new drugs for personalized medicine.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.sup3
• /
• pp.59-64
• /
• 2016

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in females (27% of the total) and the main cause of death (16%) due to cancer in women in developed and developing countries. Variations in its incidence rate among geographical areas are due to various contributing factors. Since there have been a lack of studies on this topic in our country, the present spatial analysis of breast cancer incidence in Iran in 2009 was conducted using data from the national cancer registry system. The reported incidences of the disease were standardized according to the World Health Organization population and the direct method. Then data was inserted into the GIS software and finally, using the Hot Spot Analysis (Geties-Ord Gi), high-risk areas were drawn. Provinces with incidences 1.96 SD higher or lower than the national average were considered as hot spots or cold spots, at the significance level of 0.05%. In 2009, a total of 7,582 cases of BC occurred in Iran. The annual incidence was 33.2 per hundred thousand people. Our study showed that the highest incidence of BC in women occurred in the central provinces of the country, Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Markazi and Fars. The results of hot spots analysis showed that the distribution of high-risk BC was focused in central parts of Iran, especially Isfahan province (p <0.01). The other provinces were not significantly different from the national average. The higher incidence in central provinces may be due to greater exposure to carcinogens in urban areas, a Western lifestyle and high prevalence of other risk factors. Further epidemiological studies about the etiology and early detection of BC are essential.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.546-559
• /
• 2000

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of preceptorship on On the Job Training of new nurses. The research design was a retrospective survey and one group pre-post test design. The subjects were 49 entry nurses and 49 preceptors. The data were collected from Feburary 1, 1998 to December 1, 1998. One questionnair applied in this study consisted of general characteristics, the responses of new entry nurses and their preceptors and their qualities. The other questionnair consisted of job satisfaction of new entry nurses and preceptors and their competencies. The data were analyzed for frequencies, mean score, standard deviation, t-test, and ANOVA. The results of the study were as follows: 1) Preceptees's responses were that the nurses' affiliation of unit, cooperation of other nurses, and competencies of nursing skills improved after OJT applied preceptorship. 2) Preceptors's answers were that preceptorship had a positive effect on their continuing education. 3) While preceptees's job satisfaction scores were high in interaction, administration, and organization, they were low in autonomy and pay. 4) Pre-competency scores were the same as post-competency scores. 5) After preceptorship, preceptors responded that their nursing skill & communication competency increased, but their nursing administration competency decreased. 6) Finally, preceptorship's other effects were as follows: (1) Checklists for preceptee education at the nursing unit were developed separately. (2) It was proved that 'preceptor interview note' was effective on manage preceptorship. (3) We obtained duty overlap periods; medicalsurgical units-1 month, 5 ICU-2 months, operation room-3 months. (4) We prepared a preceptor program based on the study results.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.59 no.4
• /
• pp.357-362
• /
• 2016

Papillary and rhabdoid meningiomas are pathologically World Health Organization (WHO) grade III. Any correlation between clinical prognosis and pathologic component is not clear. We analyzed the prognoses of patients with meningiomas with a rhabdoid or papillary component compared to those of patients with anaplastic meningiomas. From 1994 to June 2013, 14 anaplastic meningiomas, 6 meningiomas with a rhabdoid component, and 5 meningiomas with papillary component were pathologically diagnosed. We analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, extent of removal, adjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and pathologic features of 14 anaplastic meningiomas (group A), 5 meningiomas with a predominant (${\geq}50%$) papillary or rhabdoid component (group B1), and 6 meningiomas without a predominant (<50%) rhabdoid or papillary component (group B2). Homogeneous enhancement on MRI was associated with improved PFS compared to heterogeneous enhancement (p=0.025). Depending on pathology, the mean PFS was $134.9{\pm}31.6\;months$ for group A, $46.6{\pm}13.4\;months$ for group B1, and $118.7{\pm}19.2\;months$ for group B2. The mean OS was $138.5{\pm}24.6\;months$ for group A and $59.7{\pm}16.8\;months$ for group B1. All recurrent tumors were of the previously diagnosed pathology, except for one tumor from group B1, which recurred as an atypical meningioma without a papillary component. Group B1 tumors showed a more aggressive behavior than group B2 tumors. In group B2 cases, the pathologic findings of non-rhabdoid/papillary portion could be considered for further adjuvant treatment.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.232-235
• /
• 2018

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the heat stress and semen quality among male workers in a steel industry in Iran and investigate the relationship between heat stress indices and semen parameters. Methods: The study was conducted on workers exposed (n = 30) and unexposed (n = 14) to heat in a steel industry. After obtaining a brief biography of the selected employees, scrotal temperature, oral temperature, and environmental parameters were measured, and their semen samples were analyzed according to the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization. The heat stress indices, including wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and predicted heat strain (PHS), in their workplace were calculated according to environmental parameters (ISO 7243:1989 and 7933:2004, respectively). Results: Time-weighted averages of WBGT and PHS ($35.76^{\circ}C$ and 491.56 $w/m^2{\frac{w}{m^2}}$, respectively) for the exposed group were higher than threshold limit values. The mean difference of environmental, physiological, and semen parameters (exception: pH of semen), and also WBGT and PHS indices were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Mean semen parameters were in the normozoospermic range. WBGT and PHS indices showed significantly "negative" correlation with physiological parameters (scrotal and oral temperature) and most semen parameters (semen volume, sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count; p < 0.05); moreover, the correlation of WBGT with these parameters was stronger than PHS. Conclusion: Semen parameters of the studied workers exposed to heat were in the borderline level of normozoospermic range, and their semen parameters were significantly lower than controls. For better assessment of occupational environment concerning physiological and semen parameters in steel industries, WBGT can be a more useful index.

• Journal of Korea Society of Industrial Information Systems
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.71-82
• /
• 2016

This study has been carried out to provide data for the workforce by analyzing personnel status of medical device manufacturers, level of difficulty in securing human resource, reason for difficulty in securing human resource, resignation rate, and recruitment methods. Results, medical device manufacturers are required overseas sales personnel responsible for international certification and exported, regardless of the production item. And the company is located in the metropolitan area did not facilitate a secure workforce. Medical device manufacturers have difficulties in securing personnel, regardless of the employees and sales. In particular, Class 3 production company was more difficult. The reason that it is difficult to secure the human resources is attributable to the poor working conditions of the private companies and there is a few possible employees equipped with the job competency demanded by corporate entities. With respect to the analysis on the retirement rate, the larger the company scale and the more the employee number, more difficulty is experienced in the human resource management. Therefore, for any medical device manufacturers with large organization scale, it would be critical to introduce appropriate human resource management program.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.55-60
• /
• 2001

Objectives : The SERVQUAL scale is based on gap theory, which suggests the difference between consumers' expectations and the quality of the medical service actually received. However, problems in the implementation of the SERVQUAL scale have been identified by several researchers. Some researchers have proposed a simple performance-based measure (SERVPERF) or au exportation-controlled performance-based measure(Non-Diff) as alternatives to the SERVQUAL scale. On the basis of the theoretical concerns discussed, we examined the capability of each of the three scales(SERVQUAL, Non-Diff, SERVPERF) to explain variations in consumer satisfaction. Methods : Data was gathered from a self-administered questionnaire in a 430 bed hospital. Questionnaires evaluating medical services were distributed to 180 ambulatory patients. A total of 167 usable questionnaires were gathered. The questionnaire was composed of 10 expectation, performance and expectation-controlled performance items. In addition, overall satisfaction and purchase intention were measured. Results : Compared with the SERVQUAL scale, the Non-Diff and SERVPERF scales better explained the observed variations in consumer satisfaction(SERVOQUAL, $R^2=0.29;\;Non-Diff,\;R^2=0.51;\;SERVPERF,\;R^2=0.48$) and purchase intention(SERVQUAL, $R^2=0.22;\;Non-Diff,\;R^2=0.33;\;SERVPERF,\;R^2=0.34$). Conclusion : The maier conclusion from our study is that the Non-Diff and SERVPERF scales are more efficient in assessing consumer satisfaction than the SERVQUAL scale. Therefore we suggest that consumer satisfaction he measured by the Non-Diff or SEVPERF scales.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.43-48
• /
• 2016

Background: Work Ability Index (WAI) is a well-known and valid self-report tool that has been widely used in various studies to identify and avoid early retirement and work-related disability. Nevertheless, very few studies have been carried out to evaluate work ability in Iran. We aimed to investigate the WAI and the effect of work-related stress on it among Iranian workers. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study was carried out among 449 workers from five working sectors in three big cities of Iran. Work ability and work-related stress were measured using the Persian version of WAI and the Persian version of Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool. Results: More than a third of the workers surveyed (34.70%) did not have an appropriate level of work ability (WAI < 37). There was a significant correlation between subscales of work-related stress and the mean score of WAI. Furthermore, the variables of body mass index, sleep quality, exercise activity, job tenure, and three subscales of work-related stress including demands, supervisor support, and role were significant predictors of WAI. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the interventional programs must be focused on improving supervisors support, eliminating ambiguity and conflicts in the role of workers in their job and organization, reducing job demands, improving sleep quality, and increasing exercise activity.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2018

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the safety of 'Gamitaeeumjowee-tang' by analyzing adverse events in weight loss program in combination with 'Gamitaeeumjowee-tang' and low-calorie diet. Methods: A retrospective review of adverse events in weight loss program in combination with 'Gamitaeeumjowee-tang' and low-calorie diet from the electronic medical chart (n=124) between June 2015 and December 2016 was conducted. Three Korean Medicine Doctors (KMDs) reviewed adverse events for two times, during week 2 to 4 and at week 10, after starting weight loss program. Adverse events were evaluated in terms of causality, severity and system-organ classes. Also, agreement among the three KMDs was made through further discussion in case of disagreement after independent review. Results: The overall rate of adverse events was 37.1% during week 2 to 4 and 16.9% at week 10. For causality of adverse events using the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre causality categories, 52.2% were evaluated 'possible' at week 2-4 and 57.1% were evaluated 'unlikely' at week 10. All symptoms were evaluated as 'mild' by LDS scale. Nausea (15, 12.1%) was the most frequent adverse event at week 2-4 and dizziness (6, 4.8%) was the most common at week 10. Conclusions: Adverse events decreased over time. There were no serious adverse events and none of the subjects were dropped due to adverse events. Continuous study is needed to prove the safety of 'Gamitaeeumjowee-tang' for treating obesity.